Thailand offers 82 blocks in licensing round

Aug. 17, 2005
Eighty-two onshore and offshore blocks covering 440,407 sq km are up for bid in the 19th bidding round announced by Thailand's Ministry of Energy.

By an OGJ correspondent
BANGKOK, Aug. 17 -- Eighty-two onshore and offshore blocks covering 440,407 sq km are up for bid in the 19th bidding round announced by Thailand's Ministry of Energy.

Thai authorities will apply the current concession system, with a 12.5% royalty and 50% income tax, for the new round (OGJ Online, Mar. 15, 2005).

"Our concession system is flexible enough, subjecting small discoveries to less government take and larger production to more returns to the government," said Energy Minister Viset Choopiban.

The Department of Mineral Fuels will accept bids through June 30, 2006.

Last year, Thailand produced 746 bcf of natural gas, 21.8 million bbl of condensate, and 31.1 million bbl of oil from 30 fields. At yearend 2004, concession-holders operating in Thailand reported proved reserves of 12.51 tcf of gas, 289.08 million bbl of condensate, and 238.22 million bbl of oil.